One of the most brilliant social events of the season was the six-course dinner given by the Music Club at the Royal Hotel on New Year’s evening.

Covers were laid for eighty. Promptly at seven-thirty the doors were opened and the guests were greeted by a burst of splendid music by the orchestra which played throughout the evening.

The dining room was decorated with an abundance of carnations, the club flower. Much merriment preceded the names on the dainty little place cards; after all were seated Mrs. Bilbo, president of the Fourth District, acted as the toastmistress, and in her most gracious manner gave a short welcome address, followed by the club singing “You’re as welcome as the Flowers in May”.

After the first course Mrs. Ed F. Brown, past president of the Music Club, was introduced and gave a history and toast to the club and the New Year in a most charming manner, which was heartily responded to by all.

After the next course the dearly beloved president, Miss Phyllis Hancock was introduced, who in a modest capable way gave an outline of the present workings in club life.

After the third course, Mr. W. F. Dodd, one of the club husbands, who in all the seventeen years of club life in Caddo has never failed to respond to all the demands made upon him, gave a splendid talk on “Fellowship”.

After this “The Sweetest Music on Earth” a woman’s tongue, a string which has no discord, was aptly and amply proven by a dainty little reading by Miss Mary Odell Mitchell.

After the next course John L. Boland on behalf of the young men of Caddo in an able manner invited all guests present to attend the New Year’s ball at the McCoy building immediately following the dinner.

After the last course, most of the guests having made known their wishes, the invitation was accepted by leaving the room, all singing “There’ll be a good time in the old town tonight.”

The dinner was served by the young daughters of club members in a very capable manner. Much of the success of the dinner was due to the efforts of Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Manning, Mr. Kuschke and Mr. Mills.

Look at those Socialist haters. There is not a man today actively engaged in opposing Socialism but who has a record as black as the Arabian nights. We mean those who make it a business to go around and yell free love and infidel. Judge Hanford, after revoking citizenship papers of a man for no other reason than because he was a Socialist, has resigned his office because the Berger investigation was looking up his record, which is black as hell itself. We know the records of the men who are fighting us through this country and without exception they are worse than any free lover you could imagine. A man may remain in the old parties and oppose Socialism on the political field and be perfectly honest, but none but a moral degenerate will make a business of yelling free love. All local politicians realize that the Socialists are trying to place the government in the hands of the people and they bid us God speed in that. Why these questions of free love and infidelity is charged to the Socialist is a mystery to us.

A Funny Explanation

Editor Hart’s “explanation” in the last issue of the News-Democrat, of the charges made by Draper were real amusing. As this has been a scrap between two gangs of democrats and none of our business, we are like the Irishman at a Dutch wedding, we don’t understand all we know about it. But one thing we do know, Hart’s “explanation” doesn’t really explain anything. A lot of little locals, unsigned, supposed to have been written by some committeemen, don’t prove anything. The whole article is simply an assertion of innocence on the part of Mr. Hart, and if he has no better proof to offer he is in a bad fix. Let us have the names of those committeemen who are supposed to have written those little “explains”.

New Blacksmith Shop

J. E. Teague has bought the Howard shop and is now asking for a share of your work. His old customers have followed him which speaks for his efficiency. We ask that you give him a trial.

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We are cutting the herald short this week for two reasons; one is that we are thinking of attending the picnic at Sulphur as we are getting the expense paid and like to take advantage of every free offer, and the other reason is we have got the blues. A man can’t gush with inspiration with a hungry wife and seventeen naked children.

As a result of a pistol duel last Thursday afternoon, Burl Sparkman is near death’s door and Will Gossett is dead, having lingered two days.

The shooting took place about 3 miles north of Kenefick in Atoka County, at Sparkman’s home.

Sparkman is the owner of a farm and Gossett had been renting land from him, the trouble arising over a settlement and it is understood that threats had been passing back and forth; one is said to have sent word that he was going to whip the other when they met.

They met Thursday afternoon. After a few remarks about the threats, Sparkman drew a small pistol and began shooting at Gossett, who in turn drew his gun and began shooting. Each man fired four times, and each was shot twice. It is said that Gossett had a small girl in his arm when the shooting began.

The men were carried to their homes and medical aid given.

Both parties to the shooting are well known in Caddo, have families, and bear good reputations.

Mrs. J. H. Cossart last Friday evening invited a large number of the friends of her husband to come to their lovely home on Buffalo street to partake of a surprise party, it being the occasion of the fiftieth birthday of J. H. Cossart. Some forty gentlemen friends assembled at the invitations and proceeded to enjoy the feast set before them.

Of course it being a surprise to the honoree, he took it in his usual good nature, and had as good a time as anyone else. The program consisted of games, which all enjoyed; then music by Mrs. Blessing, Mrs. Cossart, and the three members of the Vaudeville company which was playing at the Electric Theatre. Their efforts to entertain were supremely enjoyed by the guests present who continually cried for more.

Mrs. G. L. Williams, Mrs. C. A Bilbo, Little Misses Bess Moore and Lucille Grassham assisted in the entertainment. The refreshments elegantly served formed no small part of the enjoyment of the occasion.

Each guest took occasion to thank the hostess, and also to congratulate Mr. Cossart upon attaining his half century mark.

Scott Powell Injured

At Durant Christmas morning Scott Powell happened to the accident of letting a giant cracker go off in his hand which resulted in a badly lacerated hand. He lit the cracker and did not throw it quick enough. It is probably that the cracker was leaving his hand at the time of explosion else the damage would have been much greater.

Nail-Fryer

In Atoka County last Thursday night Mr. Claude Nail and Miss Daisy Fryer, both of Caddo, were married. They came home the next day and are making their home with their parents.

Claude is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Do. O. Nail, and is just a youth, going to the High School. Miss Fryer is the lovely daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Fryer, also going to the High School. The wedding was a runaway match, and much of a surprise to their friends and relatives. However, they have received the blessing of their parents and the congratulations of their many young friends who wish them much happiness and joy.

Last Friday a deal was completed whereby Ben Siegel and N. Damie became the owners of the dry goods stock of G. H. Huffman and the goods were moved Monday to the Surprise Store where it is now being sorted and arranged.

This stock consists of dry goods, shoes, ready-to-wear, and notions, and is practically new. It is all up-to-date, high grade goods, and will add much to the stock of the Surprise Store.

They are making preparations to put the entire combined stock on sale next week, and will thus give the people of the community a chance to buy these goods for a great deal less than wholesale prices.

Mr. Huffman will continue in the grocery business and as his announcement in this issue says, he will add to and improve the stock from time to time so that his patrons may always be sure of getting the very best of things to eat.

This is membership enrollment and renewal time for the Bryan County Genealogy Library & Archives, Inc. I want to encourage you to please join or at least make a donation to them if you enjoy this blog and the information it provides. The majority of it comes directly from the records in the library and the staff has been so generous with their time and expertise. It is difficult to keep the library open, pay expenses, and add new materials during these tough economic times. However, the membership dues are only $15, less than you would probably spend on lunch. And for that you get the pride of knowing you are helping to preserve our history for your children and grandchildren. You also get printed quarterly reports filled with information.

The volunteer staff also provides information for the public through books, workshops and newspaper columns. Please help them out by sending your check to Bryan County Genealogy Library & Archives, Inc., P.O. Box 153, Calera, OK. 74730-0153. Or call 580-434-5848 for more information. If you are in the area stop by and see them at 203 McKinley, just down the street from the police station. Thanks!